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Choosing the Right Table Lamp Shade

Lauren Bongers

By Lauren Bongers
Published January 8, 2024

A table lamp's main purpose is to provide accent lighting in bedrooms and living rooms. Sometimes, they can also function as reading lamps. But a table lamp isn't complete without the right shade. Before you buy lamp shades, read about different options to find the right ones for your lamp bases.

A living room with a beige couch and two accent table lamps on each side with fabric lamp shades.

What's the Purpose of a Lamp Shade?

A living room with two bronze table lamps with cream-colored lamp shades on wood end tables.

A lamp shade is designed to filter the direct light that a light bulb gives off. Lamp shades soften the brightness of light bulbs and can direct light in certain directions, depending on their shape.

How to Measure a Lamp Shade

An illustration showing measurements of a lamp including the top and bottom widths and height.

If you’re replacing an existing lamp shade, the easiest way to measure it is to take the shade off of the lamp base. Use a tape measure to get the width of the top of the shade from one edge to the other. Then measure the bottom width of the shade following the same procedure. To measure the height, place the shade on a flat surface and measure the top edge to the bottom edge.

The height and width of a lamp shade should be proportional in size to the base of the lamp. A lamp shade should take up about 2/3 the total height of the lamp. To read more about how to pair lamp bases with shades, check out our guide on How to Measure a Lamp Shade Easily.

Types of Lamp Shades

When it comes to choosing a lamp shade, there are so many options including different styles, sizes, shapes and colors. Though you might recognize these common lamp shade types, you may not know them by name. Below are common lamp shade types you'll see while shopping.

1. Bell Lamp Shades

A white fabric bell lamp shade on a rubbed bronze lamp shade.

Aptly named, bell lamp shades get their name from their shape, which is like a bell – smaller at the top and flared on the bottom. Their unique shape means they emit most of their light from the bottom as opposed to the top, providing ambient light. They offer a classic, refined look that’s ideal for transitional spaces.

2. Empire Lamp Shades

A black silk empire lamp shade on a rubbed bronze lamp shade.

Like bell shades, empire lamp shades emit most of their light downward. One of the most popular lamp shade shapes, empire shades can complement a variety of spaces – from classic to contemporary.

3. Square and Rectangle Lamp Shades

A brown allen + roth rectangular lamp shade on a modern gold table lamp base.

Designed with a boxy shape, square and rectangular lamp shades are ideal for spaces with a modern aesthetic. Because their openings are mirrored, they direct equal light from their top and bottom.

4. Drum Lamp Shades

A cream-colored fabric drum lamp shade on a small side table.

Drum lamp shades are designed in the shape of a drum. Their top and bottom openings are the same width.

5. Tiffany-Style Lamp Shades

A multicolored glass lamp shade in an empire shape.

Stained glass lamp shades offer a vintage look ideal for eclectic spaces. Known as Tiffany-style lamps, they're available in a few shapes and a range of sizes.

6. Mini Lamp Shades

An allen + roth mini lamp shade on a cream-colored lamp base.

Mini lamp shades are popularly used for chandeliers with multiple light bulbs that require shade coverings. Mini lamp shades, or small lamp shades, can also be used with narrow or short lamp bases as they're complementary in size.

Types of Lamp Shade Fitters

An illustration showing the difference between spider, harp and uno harp light shade fitters.

Not all parts of a lamp shade are the same. Different lamp shade fittings attach to lamp bases and light bulbs differently. When shopping for shades, you’ll see a few popular fitting types including spider, uno and clip-on. 

Spider harp fittings attach to the U-shaped saddle component of the lamp socket. They’re secured into place with a screw-on finial on the top of the lamp. 

Uno fitters sit directly on the socket of the bulb. The bulb is then screwed into place in the socket, preventing the uno fitter from slipping on or off the lamp base.

Clip-on fitters clamp on to the actual light bulb. Because of this, it’s recommended to only use low-wattage bulbs with this type of shade.

Choosing the Right Lampshade

A tan seagrass drum lamp shade in a coastal-inspired room with white shiplap walls.

In addition to different lamp shade shapes and fitter types, there are also other factors to consider when choosing the right lampshade. Before you buy lamp shades, check out the following differentiators.

Color 
Shades come in many colors including neutral tones, colorful options and dark hues. So, whether you want to go monochromatic and pair a white lamp shade with a white or light-colored base or you’d like to contrast a lamp shade against its base, your options are endless.

Material  
Some of the most common materials for lamp shades include fabric, linen and silk, but there are a variety of other materials to choose from. If you’re going for a coastal look, consider a seagrass or burlap shade. For a more modern look, a glass lamp shade offers a sleek aesthetic.

Choosing the right table lamp shades for your home may take a little time and effort but the finished result  can truly influence the overall look of a room. From small lamp shades for side tables to statement-making large lamp shades for an entryway console, we have a great selection to choose from at Lowe’s.

The Importance of Lighting in a Room

A white living room with wood beams, seagrass ceiling light fixtures, a floor lamp and table lamp.

Lighting can completely transform the look and feel of a room. If you're unsure how to update your room's lighting needs, we can help with inspiration and stylish lighting products. Start by checking out these Living Room Lighting Tips. In this article, you'll learn how to assess your current lighting, choose ceiling lights to complement your room, warm up the room with table lamps and more.